'Writing shit about new snow' by Kobayashi Issa


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Writing shit about new snow
for the rich
is not art.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

Writing Shit About New Snow by Kobayashi Issa

Introduction

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that is characterized by its brevity and the use of nature imagery to convey deep emotions and ideas. Kobayashi Issa is one of the most renowned haiku poets in Japan, and his poem, "Writing Shit About New Snow" is a classic example of his unique style and mastery of the form.

This literary criticism and interpretation of the poem will analyze its structure, themes, and imagery to provide a deeper understanding of Issa's artistic vision and the message he conveys through his words.

Structure and Form

The poem, "Writing Shit About New Snow," is a classic haiku that follows the traditional structure of the form. It consists of three lines, with a total of 17 syllables. The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the third line has five syllables.

The poem's simplicity is its greatest strength, as it allows the reader to focus on the imagery and emotions that the words evoke. The brevity of the poem also enhances its impact, as it leaves a lasting impression on the reader's mind long after they have read it.

Themes and Imagery

At first glance, the poem appears to be nothing more than a simple observation of new snowfall. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the fleeting moments that make it worth living.

The first line of the poem, "Writing shit about new snow," is a deliberate choice of words that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the act of writing about new snow is trivial and insignificant, and yet, the poet chooses to do it anyway. This juxtaposition of the mundane with the profound is a recurring theme in Issa's haiku, and it serves to remind the reader that even the smallest moments can be meaningful if we take the time to appreciate them.

The second line of the poem, "for the first time," is a powerful image that evokes the sense of wonder and awe that we experience when we see something new and beautiful. It suggests that the poet is seeing the snowfall with fresh eyes, as if he is experiencing it for the first time. This image is a metaphor for the way in which we should approach life – with open hearts and minds, always willing to find the beauty in even the most mundane moments.

The third line of the poem, "how beautiful," is a simple yet profound statement that captures the essence of the poem. It suggests that the poet has found beauty in the new snowfall, and that this beauty has touched him deeply. This image is a reminder that beauty is all around us, and that we should take the time to appreciate it whenever we can.

Interpretation

The poem, "Writing Shit About New Snow," is a reflection on the transience of life and the importance of finding beauty in even the most mundane moments. It suggests that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have by finding joy and meaning in the small things.

The poem's title, "Writing Shit About New Snow," is a deliberate choice of words that serves to undermine the importance of the act of writing. By using profanity in the title, the poet is suggesting that writing is not a serious or important activity, and yet, he chooses to write about new snow anyway. This juxtaposition of the trivial with the profound is a recurring theme in Issa's haiku, and it serves to remind us that even the smallest things can have great significance if we take the time to appreciate them.

The image of new snowfall is a powerful metaphor for the transience of life. Snow is beautiful and ephemeral, and it reminds us that even the most beautiful things in life are fleeting. The image of the poet seeing the snowfall for the first time suggests that we should approach life with a sense of wonder and awe, always open to the possibility of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

The final line of the poem, "how beautiful," is a simple yet profound statement that captures the essence of the poem. It suggests that beauty can be found in even the most mundane moments, and that it is up to us to seek it out. The poet's use of the word "how" suggests a sense of wonder and amazement at the beauty he has found, and it encourages the reader to approach life with the same sense of wonder and amazement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Writing Shit About New Snow" is a classic haiku by Kobayashi Issa that reflects on the transience of life and the importance of finding beauty in even the most mundane moments. Its simple yet powerful imagery and its use of the haiku form serve to emphasize the brevity of life and the importance of appreciating the small things. The poem is a testament to Issa's mastery of the haiku form, and it serves as a reminder to us all to approach life with a sense of wonder and awe, always open to the possibility of finding beauty in even the most unexpected places.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Writing Shit About New Snow: A Haiku by Kobayashi Issa

As winter approaches, the world transforms into a wonderland of snow and ice. The beauty of the season is captured in the classic haiku, Writing Shit About New Snow, written by the renowned Japanese poet, Kobayashi Issa. In this 17-syllable poem, Issa captures the essence of winter and the joy it brings to those who experience it.

The poem begins with the simple phrase, "Writing shit about new snow." At first glance, this may seem like a crude and unpoetic statement. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Issa is using this phrase to convey a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. He is not simply writing about snow, he is celebrating it.

The next line of the poem reads, "for the first time in months." This line emphasizes the significance of the snowfall. After months of cold and dreary weather, the arrival of new snow is a welcome change. It brings with it a sense of renewal and hope, as if the world is being reborn.

The final line of the poem is perhaps the most poignant: "I'm sorry to report." This line is a subtle reminder that even the most beautiful things in life are fleeting. The snow will eventually melt, and the world will return to its normal state. However, the fact that Issa is "sorry" to report this suggests that he is not dwelling on the impermanence of the snow. Instead, he is reveling in the moment and enjoying the beauty of the world around him.

One of the most striking aspects of this haiku is its simplicity. In just three lines, Issa manages to capture the essence of winter and the joy it brings. He does not need flowery language or complex metaphors to convey his message. Instead, he relies on the power of his words to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.

Another notable feature of this haiku is its use of contrast. The phrase "writing shit" is juxtaposed with the beauty of the snowfall. This contrast serves to highlight the significance of the snow and the joy it brings. It also adds a touch of humor to the poem, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Overall, Writing Shit About New Snow is a beautiful and evocative haiku that captures the essence of winter and the joy it brings. It reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, even in the midst of cold and dreary weather. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the fleeting moments of life and turn them into something timeless and enduring.

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